Compassionart Artists: Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu G (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith (Delirious?), Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin and Darlene Zschech.
Compassionart is a charity based in Littlehampton, England and is dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor.
“There are two amazing forces that exist in the world: Compassion for those in need and Art that helps us see beyond ourselves. What could happen if you brought the two together? What could happen if you gathered some of the top songwriters in our scene to bring their art to the table for the sole reason of raising money for the poorest of the poor? Well I can tell you, it was amazing! - Martin Smith, Compassionart writer/founder, Delirious? lead vocalist.
By The Numbers
Songwriters’ awards, accolades: 42 Million albums sold, 82 No. 1 Songs, 10 GRAMMY Awards, 110 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 98 Current CCLI Top 500 Songs
Milestones to Date
Jan. 7-11, 2008: Hosted a retreat in Scotland, UK, where Compassionart songwriters wrote 22 songs.
Feb. 20-22: 12 Compassionart songs recorded in the famous Abbey Road Studios, London
April 2008: Compassionart song “So Great” (recorded by Michael W. Smith and Israel Houghton) to release on WOW Hits 2008, and to be first Compassionart song serviced to radio.
Fall 2008: Projected Compassionart album release
More…
In addition to the songwriters, the publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents involved have all waived their rights and are donating their efforts on this project to Compassionart. The songs are to be given through Compassionart to the world not just to sing, but also to raise money for the relief of suffering around the planet. One half of the monies received over the songs’ lifetimes will go to the songwriters’ charity of choice, and the other 50% will go to a charitable project agreed upon by all the songwriters involved.
In addition to Compassionart songwriters, joining the recording at Abbey Road Feb. 20-22 were acclaimed drummer Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams, Michael McDonald), GRAMMY winning bassist Tommy Sims (Bruce Springsteen, Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, James Morrison), and guitarist/keyboardist Akil Thompson (Mandisa, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen). Engineering the sessions at Abbey Road were Sam Gibson (Pearl Jam, Natalie Imbruglia, Hillsongs United, Crowded House), Danny Duncan (Bruce Springsteen, Usher) and Josiah Bell (Vickie Winans, Smokie Norful).
Online Articles
www.christianitytoday.com by Christa Bannister
www.yousingiwrite.blogspot.com
www.yourhere.mtv.com by Annie Reuter
Matt Redman - Compassionart Interview for Worship Musician January 30, 20081. When Martin and Anna Smith first approached you with the idea of Compassionart, what were your first thoughts on it?
I was excited. We talk so much about worship being more than just music, and how it must overflow into lives that care for the broken and don’t forget the forgotten. So the Compassionart venture seemed like a great big step in the right direction. I’ve been great friends with Martin and Anna for many years, and I so admire them for getting Compassionart off the ground. It’s one thing to have a great idea like this, but setting it in motion is a whole other story. To get all these writers, publishers and record companies on board - and the likes of CCLI too - is really quite a wonderful thing. It speaks of unity, but more than anything it’s a demonstration of the fact that God has been stirring up His church to have a heart for the poor.
2. As a songwriter, was it difficult–at least at first–to be a part of a songwriting group; putting out creative ideas and allowing yourself to be vulnerable? Talk about that experience.
I didn’t feel too nervous to be honest, mainly because we were all friends. There was so much love and respect for each other in the room that it felt like a safe place. And at the end of the day, what’s the worst thing that’s going to happen? At the very worst you’ll play a song and get laughed out of the room! It’s not like we were rehearsing a tight rope act for the local circus. Songwriting in general is a pretty safe occupation! Having said that, it was a very unusual way to write - we’d have 2 hours sitting with a couple of other writers, seeing what came out. Then we’d all gather in the library room and play the song ideas to everyone else. There was then an opportunity for people to feed back on the songs, or suggest changes etc. I found it really educational to be honest - just seeing how other people approach the art of editing a song. Some would offer musical or arrangement thoughts, others were more concerned about lyrical content. But when all mixed together it brought such a depth to the writing process. All of this happened in such a healthy and ego-free atmosphere. I think we all sharpened each other - both as songwriters and as Christians.
3. What group of artists did you work with?
In the opening session I wrote with Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith. At first I felt a little insecure, as I didn’t have a middle name. But seriously, it was a treat. Even if we didn’t write a song I was going to get a free songwriting lesson out of it! We spent the first hour just chatting – and from that conversation came the idea for the song ‘Highly Favoured’.
I’d written before with almost everyone there, but the combination of 3 or 4 writers in the room each time led to some really exciting and unique songs being birthed. I was also blessed to be able to write for the first time with Graham Kendrick – I’ve known him for years, and he encouraged me a lot when I was first starting out – so it was great to finally sit down and work on a couple of songs. I’ve known Darlene for a good while, but never written with her either. One night we sat down with Israel and I was really encouraged by the song that flowed out.
4. What was your favorite part about this first Compassionart retreat?
It’s hard to pin down just one highlight. I think every part of the retreat exceeded my expectations – the songs, the fellowship, the location we stayed at in the highlands of Scotland – it was all just fantastic. There was a great moment one morning when we’d all just finished worshipping through song together. Suddenly a stag appeared right outside the window – and fast-thinking Paul Baloche launched into ‘As the deer’! It was a great moment…
5. Can you share about any of the songs you helped write?
On day one Michael was telling Steven and myself how he loved the phrase ‘highly favoured’. This soon became the theme and title of a song - and I’m really encouraged with how it turned out. I think it will help people to re-affirm who they are in Christ, and be blown away again at the mystery of that.
6. Will you be a part of the recording process as well? If so, when?
The recording is due to start at Abbey Road studios in London in February. I hope to around for that. I’m not sure how much I’ll have to bring to that process – I’m more comfortable with the song writing. But it will be great to hang out – and I can do the Starbucks runs or something like that….
7. What did this experience mean to you, and will you be a part of future Compassionart events?
The week just felt like a really unique venture. So many people and companies have stretched their normal way of doing things, and I really think the results will bring glory to God and help to the poor. I hope to be really involved with Compassionart. The most exciting thing will be when the songs and the album start to generate some income, and we see some important works of compassion happening on the ground. There were some fantastic songs written, and I can’t wait to see them being resourced out to the church. But the greatest joy will be when we complete the integrity of these songs by demonstrating the heart and help of God to a broken world.